Katy Perry "Teenage Dream"

It has been said that her new record is not a "Teenage Dream," but is filled with emotionless, substance-less, pop trash; not in those exact words. To me, there are all types of flavors, or in this case, dreams. The title track starts it off with its undeniable hook, and lyrics about something everyone can relate to: love. However, it's also about the unbridled passion, and possibly...let's see "go all the way tonight," so it's probably about sex, no doubt; but disguised in a way sonically and, to some point,  lyrically that it seems harmless. Everybody has said it, and says it practically every time that day comes. In fact, the acronym was so popular they had a TV line-up in the 90s named after it which I cannot say that I had watched last Friday night. "T.G.I.F" is not exactly an audio composite to The Hangover, but is in the same style of storytelling. The lyrics are funny and/or cute at times, and the backing slight disco/funk make this a song perfect for listening any day of the week; I like the saxy climax though. The first single "California Gurls" was no doubt a huge hit for obvious reasons, and not just because of the awesome, hilarious, cute, and at times sexually-charged candy-land inspired video; it's very catchy, and Snoop Doggy Dogg was on the stereo plenty of times when this song came on. The next song is one of those inspirational songs that also are just as effective on the dancefloor as off of it, and does not lose its power or message either way; it almost makes you feel like a "Firework" with those synched strings, and that underlining bassline with lyrics that most of us can relate to, especially if you have ever felt like a paper blowing in the wind. A song about a bird? We know that peacocks like to show their beautiful feathers off, and are not afraid to show it. Guys with those that are not pea-cocks love to show it off too. The lyrics change between real cutesy and "Oh my God no exaggeration/ Boy all this time was worth the waiting/I just shed a tear/I am so unprepared" while the sound has a beat like Mickey, and takes it cues from the song's architecture. I mean the chorus has an echo on the last four letters of the word which can be taken as a simple echo with no harm done, but also done purposely. The keys and the breakdown/final stanza before the chorus are such a sight to see. It's funny how a song such as "Peacock" can be followed by a song as angsty as "Circle The Drain." This is kinda out or place because this is one of the only rock songs on here that has a very hooky instrumental bed, a lot of attitude, and distortion (vocal and sonic); the spacey effects heavy seconds between 2:45 and 3:10 are magic, as well as the last half minute. The next song, and (formerly) current single, is one of my favorite songs, not just on here, but in general and it's about "The One That Got Away." It has the simplistic, yet undeniably catchy, piano throughout the song, the beat, and the beautiful bridge; as well as lyrics about a high school relationship which could end, and could be empathized with by tons of teens and young adults who had dealt with that, to some degree. The next song has something about it that cannot be described using terrestrial language. I love the spacey looping keys, the distortion, but what I didn't know is that the original "E.T." does not have Kanye West, or that hooky bassline; still like it though. A question that I haven't really asked myself too much, but have asked several times "Who Am I Living For?" The track goes all JT on us as the instrumental bed declares My Love before the chorus;has a very addictive beat and some lovely guitar which remind me of APC when they asked What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding. Don't believe me? That's fine. The video game key throughout the songs a few times was good, as well as the last half minute with the synthesizer. Her vocals almost border on Adele in the previous song, as well as the song that has a story about a clam shell who could have been a  "Pearl." Her boyfriend  always brought her down, and before "She was unstoppable/Moved fast just like an avalanche/But now she's stuck deep in some man/Wishing that they'd never ever met." There is a balance required in the world; for every abusive, in every aspect, person there will be an antithesis that will give one a "Hummingbird Heartbeat." Of course, some relationships are just toxic, and they might be much better with someone else (possibly). Most relationships are "Not Like The Movies," which is addressed here, but depending on the movie you watch that can be a good thing; it does set up for disappointment if it's one of those adorable love stories though.